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			<h3>Yellow Starthistle &#8211; <i>Centaurea solstitialis</i></h3>

			<a href="species_images/yellow1.htm" onclick="return Popup.open({url:this.href});"><img src="species_images/yellow1sm.png" width=400 height=292>
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			<a href="species_images/yellow2.htm" onclick="return Popup.open({url:this.href});"><img src="species_images/yellow2sm.png" width=97 height=116></a>&nbsp;
			<a href="species_images/yellow3.htm" onclick="return Popup.open({url:this.href});"><img src="species_images/yellow3sm.png" width=97 height=83></a>&nbsp;
			<a href="species_images/yellow-no.htm" onclick="return Popup.open({url:this.href});"><img src="species_images/yellow-nosm.png" width=97 height=125></a>&nbsp;
			<a href="species_images/yellow4.htm" onclick="return Popup.open({url:this.href});"><img src="species_images/yellow4sm.png" width=97 height=123></a>
			
			<br /><strong>Note: </strong>A similar but less noxious weed, <i>Centaurea melitensis</i>, is widespread throughout the area; this plant is characterized by smaller, more abundant spines around the flower head and is generally smaller in overall size.          

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			<h3 class="center">What does it look like?</h3>
			<strong>Plant:</strong>

			Annual to short-lived perennial herb, ankle to shoulder height (usually 1 to 5 ft when in flower) and generally mounded with many branching stems - particularly when tall.

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			<strong>Leaves:</strong>

			Gray-green, slightly downy (minute hairs on surface), alternate and either simple or partially lobed.

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			<strong>Flowers:</strong>

			Yellow; characterized by having sharp, rigid spines around flower heads. Generally blooms during the summer months. Only reproduces by seed.

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			<h3 class="center">Where is it found?</h3>

			Grasslands, overgrazed pastures and range lands. Yellow Star Thistle prefers drier, well-drained upland soils. Established populations of Yellow Star Thistle are found in several dispersed locations including Paramount Ranch and upper Las Virgenes Canyon. This plant has caused serious problems in the northern half of the State.

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			<h3 class="center">Why worry?</h3>

			Yellow Star Thistle out-competes native grasses and herbs by depleting soil moisture. Sharp spines discourage wildlife and livestock foraging as well as deterring people from using recreational areas.

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